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For family caregivers and those associated with caregiving. Helpful and timely information and resources across a range of the most sought after issues confronting each of us as caregivers.
If you have questions, we are only a phone call away.
1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CST.

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in the house for falls

Falling is an important health
concern for older adults, and the bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms
in an elderly person’s home. The combination of slippery surfaces and physical
instability requires special attention to designing this room with safety at
the forefront.

Flooring

Clear pathways through the
bathroom, removing any unnecessary cords and decorative objects that could
decrease mobility. Check that flooring is properly maintained, with no loose
tiles or edges on vinyl that could be tripping hazards. If rugs are used, they should
lie flat. Apply nonskid tape underneath rugs, or better yet, use nonskid
mats. Make sure floor cleaners don’t leave behind a slick surface.

Tubs and showers

Bath benches help prevent falls

Safety bars and textured mats are
essentials in a bathroom designed for senior safety. If your tub surround does
not have a safety
bar, also called a grab bar, install one on the wall inside the tub or
shower, as well as directly outside the tub for ease in getting in and out. Add
textured bath mats or nonskid tape to the shower bottom for extra traction. Is
standing in the shower uncomfortable for your loved one? Add a bath
bench and a shower head with detachable hose. Check water
heater settings to help avoid the risk of scalding.

Toilets

As we age, it becomes more
difficult to get in and out of seated positions. This is where toilet safety
rails and a raised
toilet seat will provide comfort and safety. Consider
replacing a white toilet seat with one in a contrasting color to help with
visibility and depth perception. For a variety of safety options that can
change as a senior’s needs change, a 3-in-1
commode can serve as a raised toilet seat, a toilet safety
frame or a commode that can be used anywhere in the home.

Lighting

Make sure the bathroom, and
hallways leading to it, are sufficiently lit. A fixture with two bulbs instead
of one is better when one burns out and can’t be changed immediately, and
adding a nightlight or motion-sensor light can provide a little extra peace of
mind. If vision is impaired, add nonskid tape strips in contrasting colors to
floors, grab bars, and objects throughout the room to improve traction,
visibility and depth perception.

Watch the video - how to make a home safer for seniors

Hygiene supplies

Place hygiene supplies where
they’re easily accessed, in a place that doesn’t require a lot of bending low
or reaching high. For seniors managing incontinence, many find a tall, narrow
freestanding cabinet close to the toilet to be an ideal place to keep wipes and
absorbent products within reach. Visit www.caregiverpartnership.com for more
information on incontinence
products that help maintain personal dignity and to
download a free
guide to preventing falls.

Emergency communication

For caregivers and seniors
who want that extra reassurance of knowing help is just a call or button press
away, install a phone jack or an emergency response system such as Guardian
Alert 911, which doesn’t require a jack and allows the user
to call for help from anywhere in the home through wearable pendant.

Building a bathroom

If you’re adding living
space for a parent to your home, or just a lucky senior having a home built to
your specifications, look for an experienced contractor who understands the needs
of the elderly and aging in place. Your wish list might include a wide doorway,
elevated counter, wall-mounted sink, automatic faucets and soap dispenser, and
a walk-in or wheelchair-accessible tub/shower.

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Call us. We're here to help.

Lynn
Wilson founded The CareGiver Partnership based on her experience in caring for
loved ones as well as providing the highest level of customer service. She
takes pride in offering personalized service that helps her customers find the
best solutions for their individual needs. Now that her children are grown,
Lynn enjoys spending time with her granddaughter while also helping to care for
her mom. To find out how The CareGiver Partnership can serve you, call
1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CST.